Kaduna is now one big political family, says Uba Sani

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, says the state is now one big, happy political family under the All Progressives Congress (APC) canopy.

He spoke at a mega rally on Saturday, at the Kafanchan township stadium, as Sunday Katung, senator representing southern Kaduna, and three other legislators, perfected their defection to the APC.

Other lawmakers who formally switched camps were Dan Amos, a house of representatives member representing Jema’a/Sanga federal constituency; Ali Kalat, a state assembly member from Jema’a constituency; and Yusuf Mugu, a house of assembly member from Kaura constituency.

“In the last two and half years, 10 of the house of representatives members have decamped from the opposition parties to APC. PDP had 12 members in the state house of assembly but today, seven have decamped to APC. That is a sign that we are running an inclusive government,’’ Sani said. 

“Kaduna state is now one big happy family under the canopy of APC. I am also calling on those who are yet to come on board, to cross over to our party.’’

The governor noted that with the latest defections, southern Kaduna, which used to be a political enclave of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since 1999, has transformed to an APC haven. 

He added that his administration is carrying out infrastructure renewal in all local governments of the state. 

“What is happening today clearly demonstrates the kind of government we have been running in our state,” Sani said. 

‘’When we came on board, precisely on May 29, 2023, we made it clear to everyone that we took a solemn oath to be fair to all, to run an inclusive government, and to ensure that we treat everyone equitably, irrespective of political, religious or ethnic affiliations.

“We also made it clear to everyone that whether you voted for us or not, we will take development to every part of Kaduna state.

“I am happy to say that there is no local government in Kaduna state that is not benefiting from our transformation efforts, in terms of infrastructural development, improved healthcare, revamping education and agriculture.’’

Also speaking at the event, Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu, who was standing in for his principal, said southern Kaduna, which used to be the exclusive preserve of the PDP, has “woken up to the reality of the president’s reforms”.

In his remarks, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, described the defections as a political earthquake.

“Senator Sunday Marshall Katung is a man of substance and integrity. He is known for his courage, intellect and service to his people. He has shown that leadership is about vision, compassion and results,” Abbas said. 

“And my brother, Hon. Daniel Amos, is a man of rare discipline and dedication. In the house of representatives, I appointed him to one of the most sensitive committees, the house committee on services.

“This is the committee that oversees the welfare, logistics and daily operations of the house. It is the heart of the institution. It requires absolute trust, prudence and skill.

“Hon. Amos did not disappoint. He became the most loved chairman of house services in the history of the house. Members and staff alike hold him in high regard. He worked tirelessly.

“When funds were short, he used his own money. When problems arose, he provided solutions. When challenges came, he stood firm. That is leadership. That is service.”